Suzanne McLaughlin

These days, with all the property on the market at reduced prices, bank-owneds and short sales, it is difficult at best for a "real" seller to move his or her property in a reasonable period of time.

Does your realtor have the tools to get the job done? Have you "googled" him or her? If they are the "real deal", the name should pop up on the first page. That translates into the fact that they are familiar with all the Web 2.0 tools out there to sell property in this market.

If they discuss "staging", or show you print advertising, you might need to ask some tough questions.

"What websites do you post property to?"
"Do you network with agents across the country as well as locally?"

"Do you know how to correctly price my property for maximum exposure to the most buyers?"

"How many referrals have you had in the past year" This is a really good one!

"Do you use technology to its greatest advantage?"

At Sabinske & Associates, we all have Blackberries equipped with Mobile Matrix and Web access. We receive 30+ e-mails a day while we are out in the field and can instantly respond to agent's inquiries, buyer inquiries and referrals.

Banks trust us to sell their properties, you can, too.

Even during this amazing market, when we don't know what's in store for 2009, there are indications that markets are improving. We have been busier in the last two months than the previous two months. Closings are up, buyers are looking and purchase agreements are being accepted by banks.

If you don't understand the new real estate terminology, short sales, REO, BPO, deed-in-lieu or contract for deed, don't feel bad! Many of these terms haven't been used for twenty-plus years.

I work with the banks, I work with short sale sellers and I have helped quite a few buyers get into bank-owned properties which have gone through foreclosure.

I am here to answer any questions you have about any real estate matter. If you need a quick answer, great. If you want more in-depth information about your situation, we can set up an appointment. I'm here to help. Good luck and best wishes for 2009!

My broker sent an email this morning to one of our clients. And that prompted me to remind agents that our fiduciary responsibility to our clients can get long and involved. We have a seller who will likely (I'm not exactly sure) incur some tax implications when and if we finally get to close on his home. It appears that it may close before the end of the year, but it surely will close before the end of the decade, won't it? He has been advised to check with a tax attorney and/or an accountant to see what the ramifications of this transaction will be to his financial position. Please advise your clients about this as well so they aren't "surprised" by the IRS.

As we all know, life is tough these days. I have worked as a bell ringer for several years off and on. Last year, I couldn't due to a problem with a cold and a toe that thought it had an attitude. But again this year, I was able to help out and will again a couple of times. In the great economy of a few years ago, I got a few grumps, but mostly people were at least friendly and said hello and would look me in the eye. This year the attitude is decidedly much worse. Remember, none of us are actively accosting you in your homes, on the telephone or on the internet asking for donations. We are simply there. I try to be pleasant and greet you as you are passing by much as I would do if I weren't ringing a bell for charity. You aren't required to donate nor do I even ask as much from you. We are simply there for the benefit of the less fortunate. I understand if you 1) do not subscribe to such blatant begging, 2) do not believe in the cause, 3) hate charity, or 4) dislike saying hello to strangers who might actually bless you. But, all I ask in return for my cold nose, cold toes and your chilly reception, is please don't curse me especially in front of children, please don't throw your trash in the bucket (I'm not authorized to retrieve it) and please don't threaten me. Thanks for your assistance, especially this holiday season. Everyone, or at least most of the people I know, are hurting this year. I'm just trying to do my part for the even less fortunate. Merry Christmas to all and especially to some of you Scrooges. For you need the holiday season most of all! Warmest wishes!

So, we are seeing more and more realtors leaving the business. What about the rest of us?

Will we see an increase in business and/or professionalism? I was talking with someone whose opinion I greatly respect the other day. I mentioned that I thought that there should be higher standards to get into the business. He thought about it....and reminded me that successful people rise to the top no matter how many of their counterparts there are and that the market rewards those who are terribly good at what they do.

I have to agree. I have since changed my thinking about establishing higher criteria. The highest criteria I can think of is when a former client recommends me to friends, family or co-workers. And, it warms my heart to think what they must have said to get that person to make the call to me.

I am grateful for each time I have the opportunity to assist someone, and payback is a pleasure!